Street Outreach Worker

POSITION TITLE: JAC Street Outreach Worker

STATUS: Full-Time plus On-Call

REPORTS TO: Natalie Palm, Associate Director of Violence Prevention

CONTACT: [email protected] / 708-484-7400 x022

Youth Crossroads supports youth, guiding them through life’s challenges, and inspiring them to

discover new opportunities for personal development, healthy relationships, and positive

community involvement. We seek to provide youth with a comprehensive system of support,

positive structures, and role models to help them navigate the personal and academic challenges

they face in their daily lives, including counseling services, mentorship, tutoring, after-school

enrichment programs, youth leadership training, college and job readiness, and community

service.

Position Summary

As part of the JAC Street Outreach team, the JAC Street Outreach Worker will use evidence- and trauma-informed engagement strategies to identify, build trust with, and intervene in the lives of high-risk young people ages 11 to 24. Ensuring that Youth Crossroads is well connected in the community and breaking down barriers that are keeping community members from reaching services that will improve their well-being, this position requires the Street Outreach workers – credible messengers with “lived experience” – to identify high risk areas, conduct canvassing and engagement and will operate an on-call rotation to respond to shootings and critical incidents 24/7.

Primary Responsibilities

Street Outreach

· Outreach and Engagement: Plan and coordinate outreach activities to build trust with high-risk individuals, including those involved in gangs or experiencing violence.

· Conflict Resolution and Mediation: When appropriate and possible intervene in conflicts to de-escalate situations, prevent violence and mediate and resolve conflicts between street groups or individuals harmed by violence.

· Resource Connection: Provide information regarding programs, services, and opportunities to community members. Guide and facilitate access to programs, services, and opportunities, referring individuals and families as needed for mental health or other YC services, or external services as needed.

· Case Management: With the help of the Project Peace Case Manager, provide on-going support, case management, and guidance to individuals at high risk of violence until securely attached to other services. Make referrals for additional, non-emergency services and supports for the victim and family to preserve stability.

· Community Collaboration: Maintain positive working relationships with community services and agencies including but not limited to local law enforcement, hospitals, and schools. Participate in public events that will connect YC to the highest risk community members. Work collaboratively with other community partners, local law enforcement agencies and schools to address violence and promote safety. Identify barriers that keep community members from accessing services. Provide psychoeducation in order to educate, normalize, and validate traumatic stress reactions and family experience. Conduct proactive peace building activities such as restorative justice practices, event outings, and peace circles when applicable

· Data Collection and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of interactions and outcomes. Complete all paperwork in a timely manner as assigned from YC and the JAC oversight. Be prepared to assist with reporting and data collection.

· Trauma-informed Approach: Trauma-informed services apply to all individuals we encounter as well as all YC staff and volunteers. Ensure that safety and well-being practices are implemented and any secondary trauma is addressed immediately. Ensure attendance of at least 1 trauma training every year either internally or through other approved options.

· Staff Development and Training: Participate in all staff internal development and training as required. Use Professional Development monies to attain other training as wanted or needed.

On-Call Response, JAC

· On-call Rotation: Participate in on-call rotation as assigned; Rotation as follows 2 days a week (24 hour per day, Monday 9:am to Wednesday 9:am / Wednesday 9:am to Friday 9:am), weekends (Friday 9:am through Monday 9:am). A minimum of 24 hours off will follow each on-call rotation.

· Provide crisis response services for gang violence and shootings as required by YC standards and policies and requested by local law enforcement

· Provide follow-up services as appropriate to case and situation

· Confer with Convener group as identified by IDHS Office of Firearm Violence Prevention after a mass shooting or mass violence incident for immediate response and service coordination.

Additional Responsibilities

· Meet regularly as a team and with the Associate Director of Violence Prevention to communicate about situations within the community that may increase risk of violence and to ensure support and safety of all Outreach staff.

· Attend and participate in monthly staff meetings, and other meetings as requested

· Complete paperwork as required.

· Street outreach workers will carry a case load maximum of 15 participants at any given time.

· Outreach workers will be required to maintain an activity log, outlining types and numbers of outreach activities conducted.

· Outreach workers will track the number of engagements/interactions with eligible participants and the types of services provided such as resource connections, safety planning, mediation, intervention, etc

Desired Qualifications

1. Minimum high school diploma or GED, Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services Field (Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, etc) preferred

2. Minimum 2 to 3 years’ experience in outreach work preferred

3. Working knowledge, lived experience and / or history of working with gang involved individuals in the Berwyn/Cicero community.

4. Experience with conflict resolution.

5. Experience working with diverse populations.

6. Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

7. Proficiency in computer applications.

8. Strong organizational and time management skills.

9. Self-directed and able to work collaboratively with minimal oversight.

10. Bi-lingual/bi-cultural Spanish preferred

11. Access to a vehicle and valid Illinois Driver’s License Have a valid driver’s license and

operational vehicle

12. Willingness to work flexible hours as needed, 3 evenings required, with occasional weekends

Salary & Benefits:

Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Youth Crossroads, Inc. offers generous benefits, including medical/dental coverage, vacation and sick leave.

Youth Crossroads, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, or current employment status.

Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person